Clematis EARTHQUAKE ('Bieszczady')

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Common Name: Clematis

This showy introduction from master Polish hybridizer Szczepan Marczynski produces a flurry of very large 5-7”, vibrant pink flowers with white bars which form a pretty star shaped pattern in the center of each blossom. Dark purple anthers and white filaments add terrific contrast.

These single blossoms are produced over a very long period from late June into September. Attractive spiral shaped seed heads are formed after the flowers are spent.

A member of:Group 3—Late flowering cultivars These varieties bloom first on new growth beginning in midsummer, and then again on new shoots in early fall. The second round will likely produce smaller flowers than the first and flowers that were double the first time may be single the second time.

Though their growth habit makes them difficult to prune, it can be done in late winter or early spring. All shoots can be cut back to the previous year's wood, just above the base of the plant. This pruning is necessary to avoid getting a bare stem with a thick tangle above it. The spring flowers will be eliminated for that year, but the late summer flowers should still be produced. Alternatively, if you don't want to cut the entire plant back all at once, pruning can be done in stages over a period of 3 years. Each year, prune back 1/3 of the stems to 6-9 inches above a couple of well-developed buds.

Attributes:

Border plantsClimbingContainerCut flower or foliageSpecimen or focal point

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Clematis can be grown in full sun or light shade, but its base and roots must be completely shaded. You may need to plant a small shrub or large perennial directly in front of its rootball to keep it cool and shaded. A thick layer of mulch will also help to keep the soil moist. This vine prefers to be grown in moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Adding lime to the soil will help to provide these conditions.

When planting clematis, it is important to plant it 3" deeper than it was in the original pot. Bury the first set of entire leaves to encourage the production of strong shoots from below soil level and to discourage clematis wilt.

While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.